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Abstract:

In a three-dimensional image display device for displaying color
three-dimensional images, a fly eye lens, a display panel, and a light
source are provided in this order from the observer side. A display panel
has four pixels arrayed in a (2×2) matrix correlated with one lens
element of the fly eye lens. In the event that j is a natural number, a
pixel magnifying projection width e in a second direction is set in a
range of the following expression according to mean interpupillary
distance Y of the observers.
e 3 ≠ Y 2 × j ##EQU00001##

Claims:

1. A three-dimensional image display device comprising:a display panel on
which a plurality of pixels colored in a plurality of colors are arrayed
in a first direction, and a second direction orthogonal to said first
direction, in matrix fashion; andan optical unit for distributing light
emitted from the pixels arrayed in said first direction into mutually
different directions along said first direction, and also distributing
light emitted from the pixels arrayed in said second direction into
mutually different directions along said second direction, wherein the
array pitch of said pixels in said first direction and the array pitch of
said pixels in said second direction are equal to each other, said
display panel is made up of a plurality of pixel matrixes wherein a
plurality of pixels having the same color are mutually arrayed in matrix
fashion, on which said pixel matrixes having mutually different colors
are repeatedly arrayed in said first direction and in said second
direction, and said optical unit is made up of a plurality of optical
elements corresponding to said pixel matrixes.

2. A three-dimensional image display device according to claim 1, wherein
said display panel is made up of a plurality of display units, and said
display unit is made up of said pixel matrixes of three colors arrayed in
a delta shape.

3. A three-dimensional image display device according to claim 1, wherein
said optical unit is a fly eye lens.

4. A portable terminal device comprising:a main body; anda
three-dimensional image display device according to claim 1 connected to
said main body.

5. A portable terminal device according to claim 4, wherein said
three-dimensional image display device is connected to said main body so
as to rotate.

6. A portable terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising
detecting unit for detecting the displacement direction of said
three-dimensional image display device as to said main body, wherein said
three-dimensional image display device switches the array direction of
the pixels for displaying a right-eye image and the pixels for displaying
a left-eye image either in said first direction or in said second
direction based on the detection results of said detecting unit.

8. A display panel, on which a plurality of pixels colored in a plurality
of colors are arrayed in a first direction and a second direction
orthogonal to said first direction; wherein the array pitch of said
pixels in said first direction and the array pitch of said pixels in said
second direction are equal to each other; and wherein said display panel
is made up of a plurality of pixel matrixes on which a plurality of
pixels mutually colored in the same color are arrayed in matrix fashion,
and said pixel matrixes colored in mutually different colors are
repeatedly arrayed in said first and second directions.

9. A display panel according to claim 8, wherein said display panel is
made up of a plurality of display units, and the display unit is made up
of said pixel matrixes of three colors arrayed in a delta shape.

[0003]The present invention relates to a color three-dimensional image
display device capable of displaying three-dimensional images, a portable
terminal device mounting the three-dimensional image display device, and
a display panel and fly eye lens to be built in the three-dimensional
image display device, and more specifically relates to a
three-dimensional image display device, portable terminal device, display
panel, and fly eye lens, which are capable of stereoscopic viewing even
in the event that the three-dimensional image display device is disposed
not only in one direction alone but also in another direction orthogonal
to this one direction.

[0004]Examples of applications to which the present invention is applied
include portable terminal devices such as handheld phones, PDAs, game
devices, digital cameras, and digital video cameras.

[0005]2. Description of the Related Art

[0006]Conventionally, study of a display device capable of displaying
three-dimensional images has been made. The Greek Mathematician Euclid,
in 280 BC, observed that "Depth perception is to receive by means of each
eye the simultaneous impression of each eye two dissimilar images of the
same object" (for example, see "Three-dimensional Display" (Chihiro
Masuda, pub. Sangyo Tosho Publishing Co. Ltd.)). That is to say,
three-dimensional image display devices need to have a function to show
images with parallax independently to each eye of an observer. As for a
method for realizing this function specifically, while various kinds of
methods for displaying three-dimensional images have been studied for a
long time, these methods can be roughly categorized into a method using
glasses and a method not using glasses. Among these, examples of the
method using glasses include the anaglyph method using color difference
and the polarization glasses method using polarization. However, since
these methods cannot avoid being troublesome for having to wear glasses,
in recent years, methods wherein wearing glasses is not necessary have
been intensively studied. Examples of a method without wearing glasses
include the lenticular lens method and parallax barrier method.

[0007]First, description will be made regarding the lenticular lens
method. As described in the aforementioned "Three-dimensional Display"
(Chihiro Masuda, pub. Sangyo Tosho Publishing Co. Ltd.) for example, the
lenticular lens method has been invented by Ives and others around 1910.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a lenticular lens, and FIG. 2
is an optical model diagram illustrating a conventional three-dimensional
image display method using a lenticular lens. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a
lenticular lens 121 has one side with a flat surface, and the other side
on which a plurality of convex portions of rounded ridges extending in
one direction (cylindrical lens 122) are formed such that the
longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other.

[0008]Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 2, with a three-dimensional
image display device using the lenticular lens method, a lenticular lens
121, display panel 106, and light source 108 are disposed in that order
from the observer side, and the pixels of the display panel 106 are
disposed on the focus surface of the lenticular lens 121. On the display
panel 106, pixels 123 for displaying an image for the right eye 141 and
pixels 124 for displaying an image for the left eye 142 are alternatively
arrayed. At this time, a set made up of the pixels 123 and 124 adjacent
to each other corresponds to each cylindrical lens (convex portion) of
the lenticular lenses 121. Thus, the light emitted from the light source
108 passes through each pixel, and is distributed in the direction toward
the left eye and in the direction toward the right eye by means of the
cylindrical lens 122 of the lenticular lens 121. This enables the left
and right eyes to recognize a different image mutually, thereby enabling
the observer to recognize a three-dimensional image. As described above,
a method for displaying a left-eye image on the left eye and a right-eye
image on the right eye, and enabling an observer to recognize a
three-dimensional image is called as a dual-viewpoint method for forming
two viewpoints.

[0009]Next, description will be made regarding the size of each component
of a three-dimensional image display device including a normal lenticular
lens and display panel. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical model
of a dual-viewpoint three-dimensional image display device using the
normal lenticular lens method, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a
stereoscopic vision region of this dual-viewpoint three-dimensional image
display device. As illustrated in FIG. 3, let us say that the distance
between the apex of the lenticular lens 121 and the pixel of the display
panel 106 is H, the index of refraction of the lenticular lens 121 is n,
the focal distance is f, and the array cycle of lens elements, i.e., the
lens pitch, is L. The display pixels of the display panel 106 are
disposed as one set of each left-eye pixel 124 and each right-eye pixel
123. Let us say that the pitch of this pixel is P. Accordingly, the array
pitch of the display pixels made up of each left-eye pixel 124 and each
right-eye pixel 123 is 2P. One cylindrical lens 122 is disposed
corresponding to the display pixels made up of the two pixels of each
left-eye pixel 124 and each right-eye pixel 123.

[0010]Also, let us say that the distance between the lenticular lens 121
and the observer is an optimal observation distance OD, and the
magnifying projection width of one pixel in this distance OD, i.e., the
widths of the projection images of the left-eye pixel 124 and right-eye
pixel 123 on an imaginary flat surface distanced from a lens by the
distance OD and parallel to the lens are each e. Further, let us say that
the distance between the center of the cylindrical lens 122 positioned at
the center of the lenticular lens 121 and the center of the cylindrical
lens 122 disposed on the end of the lenticular lens 121 in a horizontal
direction 112 is WL, and the distance between the center of the
display pixels made up of the left-eye pixel 124 and right-eye pixel 123
positioned on the center of the display panel 106 and the center of the
display pixels positioned on the end of the display panel 106 in the
horizontal direction 112 is WP. Further, let us say that the
incident angle and exiting angle of light in the cylindrical lens 122
positioned on the center of the lenticular lens 121 are α and
β respectively, and the incident angle and exiting angle of light in
the convex portions 122 positioned on the end of the lenticular lens 121
in the horizontal direction 112 are γ and δ respectively.
Further, let us say that the difference between the distance WL and
the distance WP is C, and the number of pixels included in the
distance WP is 2m.

[0011]Since the array pitch L of the cylindrical lens 122 and the array
pitch P of the pixels are mutually correlated, coordinating with one
determines the other, however, normally, a lenticular lens is often
designed by coordinating with a display panel, so the array pitch P of
the pixels is handled as a constant. Also, selecting the material of the
lenticular lens 121 determines the index of refraction n. On the other
hand, with regard to the observation distance OD between the lens and the
observer, and the pixel magnifying projection width e in the observation
distance OD, desired values are set. The distance H between the apex of
the lens and the pixels and the lens pitch L will be determined using the
aforementioned values. Due to Snell's law and geometrical relations, the
following Expressions 1 through 6 are established. The following
Expressions 7 through 9 are also established.

n×sin a=sin b (Expression 1)

OD×tan b=e (Expression 2)

H×tan a=P (Expression 3)

n×sin g=sin d (Expression 4)

H×tan g=C (Expression 5)

OD×tan d=WL (Expression 6)

WP-WL=C (Expression 7)

WP=2×m×P (Expression 8)

WL=m×L (Expression 9)

[0012]From the aforementioned Expressions 1 through 3, the following
Expressions 10 through 12 are established respectively.

β=arctan (e/OD) (Expression 10)

α=arcsin (1/n×sin β) (Expression 11)

H=P/tan α (Expression 12)

[0013]Also, the following Expression 13 is established from the above
Expressions 6 and 9. Moreover, the following Expression 14 is established
from the aforementioned Expressions 8 and 9. Furthermore, the following
Expression 15 is established from the aforementioned Expression 5.

δ=arctan (mL/OD) (Expression 13)

C=2×m×P-m×L (Expression 14)

γ=arctan (C/H) (Expression 15)

[0014]Since the distance H between the apex of the lenticular lens and the
pixels is usually set so as to be identical to the focal distance f of
the lenticular lens, the following Expression 16 is established. If we
say that the curvature radius of the lenticular lens is r, the curvature
radius is obtained from the following Expression 17.

f=H (Expression 16)

r=H×(n-1)/n (Expression 17)

[0015]As illustrated in FIG. 4, let us say that a region where light
reaches from all of the right-eye pixels 123 is a right-eye region 171,
and a region where light reaches from all of the left-eye pixels 124 is a
left-eye region 172. The observer can recognize a three-dimensional image
by positioning the right eye 141 to the right-eye region 171, and the
left eye 142 to the left-eye region 172. However, since the
interpupillary distance of the observer is constant, the right eye 141
and left eye 142 cannot be positioned at an arbitrary position of the
right-eye region 171 and left-eye region 172 respectively, and
accordingly, the positions are restricted to a region where the
interpupillary distance can be kept to a constant. In other words, only
in the case wherein the midpoint of the right eye 141 and left eye 142 is
positioned at a stereoscopic vision region 107, stereoscopic viewing can
be obtained. Since a length along the horizontal direction 112 at the
stereoscopic vision region 107 becomes the longest at the position where
a distance from the display panel 106 is identical to the optimal
observation distance OD, tolerance in a case wherein the position of the
observer deviates toward the horizontal direction 112 reaches the maximal
value. Accordingly, the position where the distance from the display
panel 106 is the optimal observation distance OD is the most ideal
observation position.

[0016]As described later, while the parallax barrier method is a method
for hiding unnecessary light by a barrier, the lenticular lens method is
a method for changing the direction where light advances, and
accordingly, employing the lenticular lens does not reduce the brightness
of a display screen in principle. Accordingly, the lenticular lens method
is most likely to be applied to portable equipment and so forth in which
high-luminance display and low consumption power performance are regarded
as important factors.

[0017]A development example of three-dimensional image display devices
using the lenticular lens method is described in Nikkei Electronics No.
838, Jan. 6, 2003 pp 26-27. A 7-inch liquid crystal panel making up a
three-dimensional image display device includes 800×480 display
dots. Three-dimensional image display and flat image display can be
switched by changing the distance between the lenticular lens and the
liquid crystal display panel by 0.6 mm. The number of lateral viewpoints
is five, and accordingly, five different images can be viewed by changing
the view angle in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the number
of vertical viewpoints is one, and accordingly, the image does not change
even if the view angle is changed in the vertical direction.

[0018]Next, description will be made regarding the parallax barrier
method. The parallax barrier method has been conceived by Berthier in
1896, and demonstrated by Ives in 1903. FIG. 5 is an optical model
diagram illustrating a conventional three-dimensional image display
method using a parallax barrier. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a parallax
barrier 105 is a barrier (shielding plate) on which numerous narrow slits
105a are formed. The display panel 106 is disposed near one surface of
this parallax barrier 105. On the display panel 106, the right-eye pixels
123 and left-eye pixels 124 are arrayed in the direction orthogonal to
the longitudinal direction of the slits. On the other hand, the light
source 108 is disposed near the other surface of the parallax barrier
105, i.e., on the opposite side of the display panel 106.

[0019]The light, which is emitted from the light source 108, and passes
through the slit 105a of the parallax barrier 105 and the right-eye pixel
123, is the optical flux 181. In the same way, the light, which is
emitted from the light source 108, passes through the slit 105a and the
left-eye pixel 124, is optical flux 182. At this time, the position where
the observer can recognize a three-dimensional image is determined by
means of the positional relation between the parallax barrier 105 and the
pixels. In other words, the right eye 141 of an observer 104 needs to be
within the transmissive regions of all of the optical flux 181
corresponding to the a plurality of right-eye pixels 123, and also the
left eye 142 of the observer needs to be within the transmissive regions
of all of the optical flux 182. This is the case wherein a midpoint 143
of the right eye 141 and left eye 142 of the observer is positioned
within the stereoscopic vision region 107 of a square illustrated in FIG.
5.

[0020]Of the line segments extending in the array direction of the
right-eye pixel 123 and left-eye pixel 124 in the stereoscopic vision
region 107, the segment passing through a diagonal intersecting point
107a in the stereoscopic vision region 107 is the longest line segment.
Accordingly, when the midpoint 143 is positioned at the intersecting
point 107a, tolerance in a case wherein the position of the observer
deviates in the horizontal direction reaches the maximal value, so this
position is the most preferable as an observation position. Accordingly,
with this three-dimensional image display method, it is recommended for
observers to perform observation at the optimal observation distance OD,
i.e., distance between the intersecting point 107a and the display panel
106. Note that an imaginary flat surface wherein the distance from the
display panel 106 in the stereoscopic vision region 107 is the optimal
observation distance OD is called as an optimal observation surface 107b.
Thus, the light from the right-eye pixel 123 and left-eye pixel 124
reaches the right eye 141 and left eye 142 of the observer respectively.
Accordingly, the observer can recognize an image displayed on the display
panel 106 as a three-dimensional image.

[0021]Next, description will be made regarding a three-dimensional image
display device wherein a parallax barrier on which slits are formed is
disposed on the front surface of a display panel, more specifically,
regarding each component size thereof in detail. FIG. 6 is a diagram
illustrating an optical model of a conventional dual-viewpoint
three-dimensional image display device having a slit-shaped parallax
barrier on the observer side of a display panel. Note that the slit width
of the parallax barrier is minute, so it can be ignored for the sake of
simplifying explanation. As illustrated in FIG. 6, let us say that the
array pitch of the slits 105a of the parallax barrier 105 is L, the
distance between the display panel 106 and the parallax barrier 105 is H,
and also the array pitch of the pixels is P. As described above, with the
display panel 106, since two pixels, i.e., each right-eye pixel 123 and
each left-eye pixel 124 are disposed as a pixel set on the display panel
106, the array pitch of the pixel set is 2P. Since the array pitch L of
the slits 105a and the array pitch P of the pixel set are mutually
correlated, coordinating with one determines the other, however,
normally, a parallax barrier is often designed by coordinating with a
display panel, so the array pitch P of the pixel set is handled as a
constant.

[0022]Also, let us say that a region where light reaches from all of the
right-eye pixels 123 is the right-eye region 171, and a region where
light reaches from all of the left-eye pixels 124 is the left-eye region
172. The observer can recognize a three-dimensional image by positioning
the right eye 141 to the right-eye region 171, and the left eye 142 to
the left-eye region 172. However, since the interpupillary distance of
the observer is constant, the right eye 141 and left eye 142 cannot be
positioned to an arbitrary position of the right-eye region 171 and
left-eye region 172 respectively, and accordingly, the positions are
restricted to a region where the interpupillary distance can be kept
constant. In other words, only in the case wherein the midpoint 143 of
the right eye 141 and left eye 142 is positioned at the stereoscopic
vision region 107, stereoscopic viewing can be obtained. Since a length
along the horizontal direction 112 at the stereoscopic vision region 107
is the longest at the position where a distance from the display panel
106 is identical to the optimal observation distance OD, tolerance in a
case wherein the position of the observer deviates toward the horizontal
direction 112 reaches the maximal value. Accordingly, the position where
the distance from the display panel 106 is the optimal observation
distance OD is the most ideal observation position. Also, let us say that
an imaginary flat surface wherein the distance from the display panel 106
in the stereoscopic vision region 107 is the optimal observation distance
OD is the optimal observation surface 107b, and the magnifying projection
width of one pixel in the optimal observation surface 107b is e.

[0023]Next, the distance H between the parallax barrier 105 and the
display pixels of the display panel 106 will be determined using the
aforementioned values. Due to geometrical relations as illustrated in
FIG. 6, the following Expressions 18 is established, and thus, the
distance H is obtained as illustrated in the following Expression 19.

P:H=e:(OD-H) (Expression 18)

H=OD×P/(P+e) (Expression 19)

[0024]Further, if we say that the distance between the center of the pixel
set positioned at the center of the display panel 106 in the horizontal
direction 112 and the center of the pixel set positioned on the end in
the horizontal direction 112 is WP, and the distance between the
centers of the slits 105a corresponding to these pixel sets respectively
is WL, the difference C between the distance WP and distance
WL is obtained by the following Expression 20. Also, if we say that
the number of pixels included in the distance WP on the display
panel 106 is 2m, the following Expression 21 is established. Further,
since the following Expression 22 is established due to geometrical
relations, the pitch L of the slits 105a of the parallax barrier 105 is
obtained by the following Expression 23.

WP-WL=C (Expression 20)

WP=2×m×Pm, WL=m×L (Expression 21)

WP:OD=WL:(OD-H) (Expression 22)

L=2×P×(OD-H)/OD (Expression 23)

[0025]Next, description will be made regarding a three-dimensional image
display device wherein a parallax barrier is disposed on the rear surface
of the display panel, more specifically, regarding each component size
thereof in detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an optical model of a
conventional dual-viewpoint three-dimensional image display device having
a slit-shaped parallax barrier on the rear surface of a display panel.
Note that the slit width of the parallax barrier is minute, so this can
be ignored for the sake of simplifying explanation. As with the
aforementioned case wherein the parallax barrier is disposed on the front
surface of the display panel, let us say that the array pitch of the
slits 105a of the parallax barrier 105 is L, the distance between the
display panel 106 and the parallax barrier 105 is H, and also the array
pitch of the display pixels is P. As described above, with the display
panel 106, since two pixels, i.e., each right-eye pixel 123 and each
left-eye pixel 124 are disposed as a pixel set on the display panel 106,
the array pitch of the pixel set is 2P. Since the array pitch L of the
slits 105a and the array pitch P of the pixel set are mutually
correlated, coordinating with one determines the other, however,
normally, a parallax barrier is often designed by coordinating with a
display panel, so the array pitch P of the pixel set is handled as a
constant.

[0026]Also, let us say that a region where light reaches from all of the
right-eye pixels 123 is the right-eye region 171, and a region where
light reaches from all of the left-eye pixels 124 is the left-eye region
172. The observer can recognize a three-dimensional image by positioning
the right eye 141 to the right-eye region 171, and the left eye 142 to
the left-eye region 172. However, since the interpupillary distance of
the observer is constant, the right eye 141 and left eye 142 cannot be
positioned to an arbitrary position of the right-eye region 171 and
left-eye region 172 respectively, and accordingly, the positions are
restricted to a region where the interpupillary distance can be kept
constant. In other words, only in the case wherein the midpoint 143 of
the right eye 141 and left eye 142 is positioned at the stereoscopic
vision region 107, stereoscopic viewing can be obtained. Since the length
along the horizontal direction 112 at the stereoscopic vision region 107
is the longest at the position where a distance from the display panel
106 is identical to the optimal observation distance OD, tolerance in a
case wherein the position of the observer deviates toward the horizontal
direction 112 reaches the maximal value. Accordingly, the position where
the distance from the display panel 106 is the optimal observation
distance OD is the most ideal observation position. Also, let us say that
an imaginary flat surface wherein the distance from the display panel 106
in the stereoscopic vision region 107 is the optimal observation distance
OD is the optimal observation surface 107b, and the magnifying projection
width of one pixel in the optimal observation surface 107b is e.

[0027]Next, the distance H between the parallax barrier 105 and the pixels
of the display panel 106 will be determined using the aforementioned
values. Due to geometrical relations as illustrated in FIG. 7, the
following Expressions 24 is established, and thus, the distance H is
obtained as illustrated in the following Expression 25.

P:H=e:(OD+H) (Expression 24)

H=OD×P/(e-P) (Expression 25)

[0028]Further, if we say that the distance between the center of the pixel
set positioned at the center of the display panel 106 in the horizontal
direction 112 and the center of the pixel set positioned on the end in
the horizontal direction 112 is WP, and the distance between the
centers of the slits 105a corresponding to these pixel sets respectively
is WL, the difference C between the distance WP and distance
WL is obtained by the following Expression 26. Also, if we say that
the number of pixels included in the distance WP on the display
panel 106 is 2m, the following Expression 27 and Expression 28 are
established. Further, since the following Expression 29 is established
due to geometrical relations, the pitch L of the slits 105a of the
parallax barrier 105 is obtained by the following Expression 30.

WL-WP=C (Expression 26)

WP=2×m×P (Expression 26)

WL=m×L (Expression 28)

WP:OD=WL:(OD+H) (Expression 29)

L=2×P×(OD+H)/OD (Expression 30)

[0029]Since the parallax barrier method originally had the parallax
barrier disposed between the pixel and the eye, this has led to a problem
wherein the parallax barrier is conspicuous and visibility is poor.
However, with realization of liquid crystal display panels, an
arrangement has been made wherein the parallax barrier 105 can be
disposed on the rear side of the display panel 106 as illustrated in FIG.
5, thereby improving visibility. Thus, three-dimensional image display
devices using the parallax barrier method are now being studied
intensively.

[0030]An example of actual production using the parallax barrier method in
reality is described within Table 1 of the aforementioned Nikkei
Electronics No. 838, Jan. 6, 2003 pp 26-27. This is a portable phone
mounting a liquid crystal panel corresponding to 3D, wherein the liquid
crystal panel making up a three-dimensional image display device includes
176×220 display dots in diagonal 2.2-inch size. In addition, a
liquid crystal panel serving as a switch for turning on/off the effects
of a parallax barrier is provided, whereby three-dimensional image
display and flat image display can be switched and displayed. As
described above, two images of a left-eye image and right-eye image are
displayed at the time of displaying a three-dimensional image. In other
words, this is a dual-viewpoint three-dimensional image display device.

[0031]On the other hand, attempts for improving stereoscopic sensation
have been performed using images more than two images. For example, as
described above, a pair of a left-eye image and right-eye image is
displayed not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical
direction. The shape of the slits of a parallax barrier is a pinhole
shape. Thus, in the event that the position of the observer moves in the
vertical direction, different three-dimensional images can be recognized.
A pair of the images disposed in the vertical direction are images
wherein a substance to be displayed is observed in the vertical
direction. Thus, the observer can obtain stereoscopic sensation in the
vertical direction by changing his/her position in the vertical
direction, resulting in improving stereoscopic sensation.

[0032]A development example of three-dimensional image display devices for
displaying an image two-dimensionally in the vertical direction is
described in "3D Display" (Optical and electro-optical engineering
contact, Vol. 41, No. 3, Mar. 20, 2003 pp. 21-32. This is a
multi-viewpoint three-dimensional image display device using 7 viewpoints
in the horizontal direction, 4 viewpoints in the vertical direction, for
28 viewpoints in total, and a liquid crystal display device making up the
three-dimensional image display device includes QUXGA-W (3840×2400)
display dots in a diagonal 22-inch size. Thus, the observer can observe
three-dimensional images changing consecutively in the event of changing
the observation position not only in the horizontal direction but also in
the vertical direction.

[0033]However, with the aforementioned conventional three-dimensional
image display device, it is assumed that the direction for disposing a
display screen is to be set in one direction as to the observer at all
times. Accordingly, in the event of changing the direction of the display
monitor as to the observer, it is impossible for the observer to
recognize a three-dimensional image. For example, upon the aforementioned
display device being rotated by 90° in either direction from the
normal direction, the observer observes the same image with both eyes, so
cannot recognize a three-dimensional image.

[0034]To solve this problem, a technique is disclosed in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 06-214323 wherein two
lenticular lenses are overlapped such that the longitudinal directions of
the lenses are orthogonal to each other, and the focal point of each lens
is disposed on the same flat surface, and the light from a plurality of
pixels arrayed in matrix fashion is distributed into in the vertical
direction and in the horizontal direction of a screen. Thus, Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 06-214323 states that even
in the event that the direction of the display screen as to the observer
rotates by 90° such as in a case wherein the observer lies down
for example, the observer can recognize a three-dimensional image.

[0035]However, the aforementioned conventional technique includes the
following problems. As a result of the present inventor and others
studying this technique, with the display device disclosed in Japanese
Patent Publication No. Hei 06-214323, in the event of displaying a color
image and changing the direction for disposing the display device as to
the observer, it was obvious that three-dimensional display cannot be
correctly made in some cases. Description will be made below regarding
this phenomenon in detail.

[0036]First, description will be made regarding a case wherein a lens is
employed. In order to observe a three-dimensional image even if the
display device is disposed in either the vertical or horizontal
direction, with Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
06-214323, while two lenticular lenses disposed such that the
longitudinal directions of the lenses are orthogonal to each other are
employed, a fly eye lens of which lens elements are two-dimensionally
arrayed may be employed. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a fly
eye lens 125.

[0037]As for a display device to be used in a three-dimensional image
display device, a display device employing a striped color, which is
currently most common, is used. For the sake of explanation, a first
direction and a second direction are defined as follows. That is to say,
the first direction is a direction where the same color pixels of each
color pixel are consecutively disposed, and the second direction is a
direction where each color pixel is alternatively repeatedly disposed.
The first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other
on a display surface. One display unit includes three colors of RGB, and
each color pixel is arrayed in a striped shape. Also, the resolution in
the first direction and the resolution in the second direction are
equally mutually set, and accordingly, each color pixel pitch in the
second direction is one third of the pitch in the first direction.

[0038]In order to observe a three-dimensional image by disposing left and
right pixels not only in the first direction but also in the second
direction, a method for disposing one lens element as to two same color
pixels arrayed in the second direction and adjacent to each other can be
conceived. In this case, since the pixel pitch in the second direction is
one third of the pixel pitch in the first direction, the aforementioned
Expression 3 is substituted with the following Expression 31.

H×tan α'=P/3 (Expression 31)

[0039]At this time, the distance H between the lens and the pixel should
be the same value as the distance H between the lens and the pixel in the
aforementioned first direction for the sake of using one fly eye lens. In
the same way, the index of refraction n should be the same. Also, the
observation distance OD is preferably unchanged. Thus, Expression 1 is
substituted with the following Expression 32. Also, Expression 2 is
substituted with the following Expression 33.

n×sin α'=sin β' (Expression 32)

OD×tan β'=e' (Expression 33)

[0040]Note that the angles α, β, α', and β' are
generally small, and are in a range wherein paraxial approximation is
established, and accordingly, e' is generally the same as (e/3), and a
pixel magnifying projection width is (e/3). For example, in the event
that the pixel magnifying projection width e in the aforementioned first
direction is 97.5 mm, the pixel magnifying projection width e/3 in the
second direction is 32.5 mm. In other words, left and right images are
magnified and projected in 32.5 mm pitch. Consequently, a general
observer of which the interpupillary distance is 65 mm can observe only
any one of the images, and accordingly, regardless of the display device
displaying a three-dimensional image, the observer cannot recognize the
three-dimensional image.

[0041]Such a problem occurs not only in the lens method but also in the
three-dimensional image display device using the parallax barrier method.
Description will be made below regarding a phenomenon occurring when the
angle of a three-dimensional image display device using the parallax
barrier method as to the observer is rotated by 90° from the
normal observation position.

[0042]The conventional three-dimensional image display device illustrated
in FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional image display device using a parallax
barrier on which slits are formed. When this device is rotated by
90° from the normal position, the observer observes the same image
with both eyes, and accordingly, cannot recognize a three-dimensional
image. In order to observe a three-dimensional image even if the display
device is disposed either vertically or horizontally, there is the need
to employ a parallax barrier on which pinhole slits are two-dimensionally
arrayed. Note that with the present device, as with the aforementioned
device using a fly eye lens, the array of each color is defined in a
striped shape, and the first and second directions are defined as the
same as the aforementioned definition. Consequently, the pitch of color
pixels in the second direction is one third of the pitch in the first
direction.

[0043]In order to observe a three-dimensional image by disposing left and
right images not only in the first direction but also in the second
direction, a method for disposing one pinhole as to two color pixels
arrayed in the second direction and adjacent to each other can be
conceived. In this case, a pixel pitch is one third of the first
direction, and accordingly, the aforementioned Expression 19 is
substituted with the following Expression 34.

e'=((OD-H)/H)×P/3 (Expression 34)

[0044]At this time, the distance H between the barrier and the pixel
should be the same value as the distance H between the barrier and the
pixel in the aforementioned first direction for the sake of using one
parallax barrier. Also, the observation distance OD is preferably
unchanged. Thus, the following Expression 35 is established.

e'=e/3 (Expression 35)

[0045]This means that the pixel magnifying projection width is (e/3). As a
result, in the same way as with a fly eye lens, a phenomenon occurs
wherein regardless of the display device displaying a three-dimensional
image, the observer cannot recognize the three-dimensional image.

[0046]Further, with a three-dimensional image display device equipped with
a parallax barrier on the rear surface of the display panel, the same
phenomenon occurs. In this case as well, the pixel pitch in the second
direction is one-third in the first direction, and the aforementioned
Expression 25 is substituted with the following Expression 36.

e'=((OD+H)/H)×P/3 (Expression 36)

[0047]At this time, the distance H between the barrier and the display
pixel should be the same value as the distance H between the barrier and
the pixel in the aforementioned first direction for the sake of using one
parallax barrier. Also, the observation distance OD is preferably
unchanged. Thus, the following Expression 37 is established.

e'=e/3 (Expression 37)

[0048]This means that the pixel magnifying projection width is (e/3), in
the same way as with a fly eye lens, and a phenomenon occurs wherein,
regardless of the display device displaying a three-dimensional image,
the observer cannot recognize the three-dimensional image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0049]It is an object of the present invention to provide a
three-dimensional image display device which allows an observer to
recognize a color three-dimensional image with excellent visibility even
in the event of rotating the three-dimensional image display device by
90° from the normal observation direction, a portable terminal
device mounting the three-dimensional image display device, and a display
panel and fly eye lens to be built in the three-dimensional image display
device.

[0050]A three-dimensional image display device according to a first aspect
of the present invention comprises: a display panel on which a plurality
of display units including pixels for displaying a right-eye image and
pixels for displaying a left-eye image are arrayed in a first direction,
and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, in matrix
fashion; and an optical unit for distributing light emitted from the
pixels arrayed in the first direction into mutually different directions
along the first direction, and also distributing light emitted from the
pixels arrayed in the second direction into mutually different directions
along the second direction.

[0051]The pixels for displaying a right-eye image and the pixels for
displaying a left-eye image are colored in Z (Z represents a natural
number) number of colors, and the pixels having the same color are
arrayed consecutively along the first direction. And, when Y represents
mean interpupillary distance, e represents the magnifying projection
width of one pixel in the first direction, and j is a natural number, the
following expression 38 holds.

e Z ≠ Y 2 × j ( Expression 38 )
##EQU00002##

[0052]According to the first aspect of the present invention, the display
panel displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image, and the optical
unit distributes the light emitted from the display panel into a first
direction and a second direction. Subsequently, magnifying projection
width e of one pixel is correlated with the mean interpupillary distance
Y of an observer, and selected such as shown in the aforementioned
Expression 38. Thus, in both cases wherein the direction where a line
connecting both eyes of the observer extends (hereinafter, referred to as
"direction of both eyes") is assumed to be the first direction or the
second direction, the observer can position the right eye to the
projection area of the right-eye image, and the left eye to the
projection area of the left-eye image, thereby recognizing a
three-dimensional image.

[0053]Also, when k is assumed to be a natural number, the mean
interpupillary distance Y and the magnifying projection width e
preferably satisfy the following Expression 39, and more preferably the
following Expression 40.

[0054]Thus, when the observer randomly positions both eyes to a
observation surface, the probability for the observer to recognize a
three-dimensional image rises, whereby the observer can search a position
of both eyes so as to obtain stereoscopic viewing immediately.

[0055]Also, when k is assumed to be a natural number, the mean
interpupillary distance Y and the magnifying projection width e may
satisfy the following Expression 41 or Expression 42.

[0056]Thus, even in either the case wherein the direction of both eyes is
the first direction or the case wherein the direction of both eyes is the
second direction, the probability for the observer to recognize a
three-dimensional image becomes the same.

[0057]Further, it is preferable to satisfy Y/6<e/3. Thus, during mean
interpupillary distance, the number of times for switching left-eye and
right-eye images is reduced, and a stereoscopic vision region is
prevented from segmentation, whereby the observer can easily obtain
stereoscopic viewing.

[0058]Further more, the number of colors Z may be three. Thus, the display
pixels can be made up of pixels with three primary colors of RGB.

[0059]Further more, The mean interpupillary distance may be in the range
of 62-65 mm.

[0060]A three-dimensional image display device according to a second
aspect of the present invention comprises: a display panel on which a
plurality of display units including pixels for displaying a right-eye
image and pixels for displaying a left-eye image are arrayed in a first
direction, and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
in matrix fashion; and a fly eye lens of which a plurality of lens
elements are arrayed in the first and second direction, in matrix
fashion, for distributing light emitted from the pixels arrayed in the
first direction into mutually different directions along the first
direction, and also distributing light emitted from the pixels arrayed in
the second direction into mutually different directions along the second
direction.

[0061]And, the pixels for displaying a right-eye image and the pixels for
displaying a left-eye image are colored in Z (Z represents a natural
number) number of colors, the pixels having the same color are arrayed
consecutively along the first direction, the array pitch of the lens
elements in the first direction and the array pitch of the lens elements
in the second direction are different each other.

[0062]According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is
possible for the observer to position the right eye and the left eye to
the projection area of the right-eye image and the projection area of the
left-eye image, respectively, regardless of which direction both eyes of
the observer are in, the first direction or the second direction.
Consequently, color three-dimensional images can be observed favorably.

[0063]Moreover, the array pitch of the lens elements in the first
direction may be Z times the array pitch of the lens elements in the
second direction. Furthermore, the number of colors Z of the pixels on
the display panel may be three.

[0064]A three-dimensional image display device according to a third aspect
of the present invention comprises: a display panel on which a plurality
of pixels colored in a plurality of colors are arrayed in a first
direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in
matrix fashion; and an optical unit for distributing light emitted from
the pixels arrayed in the first direction into mutually different
directions along the first direction, and also distributing light emitted
from the pixels arrayed in the second direction into mutually different
directions along the second direction. The array pitch of the pixels in
the first direction and the array pitch of the pixels in the second
direction are equal to each other, the display panel is made up of a
plurality of pixel matrixes wherein a plurality of pixels having the same
color are mutually arrayed in matrix fashion, on which the pixel matrixes
having mutually different colors are repeatedly arrayed in the first
direction and in the second direction, and the optical unit is made up of
a plurality of optical elements corresponding to the pixel matrixes.

[0065]According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the
array pitch of the pixels in the first direction and that in the second
direction are equal to each other, the magnifying projection width of the
pixels in the first direction and that in the second direction can be
equal to each other. Consequently, even in either the case wherein the
direction of both eyes is the first direction or the case wherein the
direction of both eyes is the second direction, visibility of
three-dimensional images can be improved.

[0066]A three-dimensional image display device according to a fourth
aspect of the present invention comprises: a display panel on which a
plurality of display units including pixels for displaying a right-eye
image and pixels for displaying a left-eye image are arrayed in a first
direction, and in a second direction orthogonal to this first direction,
in matrix fashion; a first lenticular lens on which a plurality of
cylindrical lenses of which the longitudinal direction extends in the
first direction are arrayed in the second direction; and a second
lenticular lens disposed on a position sandwiching the first lenticular
lens against the display panel, on which a plurality of cylindrical
lenses of which the longitudinal direction extends in the second
direction are arrayed in wider array pitch than the array pitch of the
cylindrical lens in the first lenticular lens in the first direction. The
pixels for displaying a right-eye image and the pixels for displaying a
left-eye image are colored in Z (Z represents a natural number) number of
colors, the pixels having the same color are arrayed consecutively along
the first direction.

[0067]According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the
array pitch of the cylindrical lenses in the first lenticular lens is
narrower than that in the second lenticular lens, when the focal point of
the first lenticular lens and the focal point of the second lenticular
lens are disposed on the same flat surface, the array pitch of the pixels
in the second direction on the display panel can be reduced narrower than
the array pitch in the first direction. Accordingly, three colored pixels
can be arrayed in the second direction. At this time, the lens surface of
the first lenticular lens is closer to the display panel than that of the
second lenticular lens, so the magnifying projection width of one pixel
in the second direction can be increased wider than that in the first
direction. Consequently, even in either the case wherein the direction of
both eyes is the first direction or the case wherein the direction of
both eyes is the second direction, visibility of three-dimensional images
can be improved.

[0068]Also, at this time, the first lenticular lens of which the lens
surface is preferably disposed so as to face the display panel, so the
second lenticular lens of the opposite surface of the lens surface is
preferably disposed so as to face the first lenticular lens. Thus, the
array pitch of the pixels in the second direction can be easily reduced
narrower than the array pitch in the first direction.

[0069]A three-dimensional image display device according to a fifth aspect
of the present invention comprises: a display panel on which a plurality
of display units including pixels for displaying a right-eye image and
pixels for displaying a left-eye image are arrayed in a first direction,
and in a second direction orthogonal to this first direction, in matrix
fashion; a first parallax barrier on which a plurality of slits of which
the longitudinal direction extends in the first direction are formed; and
a second parallax barrier disposed on a position sandwiching the first
parallax barrier along with the display panel, on which a plurality of
slits of which the longitudinal direction extends in the second direction
are formed. The pixels for displaying a right-eye image and the pixels
for displaying a left-eye image are colored in Z (Z represents a natural
number) number of colors, the pixels having the same color are arrayed
consecutively along the first direction.

[0070]According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first
parallax barrier is closer to the display panel than the second parallax
barrier, so the magnifying projection width of one pixel in the second
direction can be increased wider than that in the first direction.
Consequently, even in either the case wherein the direction of both eyes
is the first direction or the case wherein the direction of both eyes is
the second direction, visibility of three-dimensional images can be
improved.

[0071]With the aforementioned respective three-dimensional image display
devices, an arrangement may be made wherein in the event that the first
direction is disposed so as to coordinate with the direction from the
right eye of an observer to the left eye, a pair of pixels on which a
right-eye image and left-eye image are respectively displayed arrayed in
the first direction within each display unit, also a plurality of pixels
on which mutually different images are displayed arrayed in the second
direction within each display unit, and in the event that the second
direction is disposed so as to coordinate with the direction from the
right eye of an observer to the left eye, a pair of pixels on which a
right-eye image and left-eye image are respectively displayed arrayed in
the second direction within each display unit, and also a plurality of
pixels on which mutually different images are displayed arrayed in the
first direction within each display unit. Thus, the observer can observe
different images by simply changing an observation angle as to the
three-dimensional image display device to the vertical direction.

[0072]A portable terminal device according to a sixth aspect of the
present invention comprises: a main body; and a three-dimensional image
display device according to any one of first through fifth aspects
connected to the main body.

[0073]Also, the three-dimensional image display device is preferably
connected to the main body so as to rotate, further comprises detecting
unit for detecting the displacement direction of the three-dimensional
image display device as to the main body. The three-dimensional image
display device preferably switches the array direction of the pixels for
displaying a right-eye image and the pixels for displaying a left-eye
image either in the first direction or in the second direction based on
the detection results of the detecting unit. Thus, the observer can
switch the direction for displaying an image without rotating the main
body. Also, a method for displaying an image may be switched by
synchronizing with the displacement direction of the three-dimensional
image display device.

[0074]With a display panel according to a seventh aspect of the present
invention on which a plurality of pixels colored in a plurality of colors
are arrayed in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the
first direction, the array pitch of the pixels in the first direction and
the array pitch of the pixels in the second direction are equal to each
other, and the display panel is made up of a plurality of pixel matrixes
on which a plurality of pixels mutually colored in the same color are
arrayed in matrix fashion, and the pixel matrixes colored in mutually
different colors are repeatedly arrayed in the first and second
directions.

[0075]According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the array
pitches of the pixels in the first and second directions are equal to
each other, so when the light emitted from the pixels by the optical unit
is distributed, the magnifying projection width in the first and second
directions can be equal to each other. Consequently, even in either the
case wherein the direction of both eyes is the first direction or the
case wherein the direction of both eyes is the second direction,
visibility of three-dimensional images can be improved.

[0076]With a fly eye lens according to a eighth aspect of the present
invention on which a plurality of lens elements are disposed in matrix
fashion, the array pitch of the lens elements in one direction of the
matrix and the array pitch of the lens elements in another direction
orthogonal to the one direction are different to each other.

[0077]According to the present invention, even in either the case wherein
the direction of both eyes is the first direction or the case wherein the
direction of both eyes is the second direction, the observer can position
the right eye to the projection area of a right-eye image and the left
eye to the projection area of a left-eye image by correlating the
magnifying projection width e of one pixel with the spacing of both eyes
Y of the observer, and setting the width e such as shown in Expression
38, whereby the observer can obtain excellent visibility of color
three-dimensional images.

[0083]FIG. 6 is an optical model diagram of a conventional dual-viewpoint
three-dimensional image display device equipped with a slit-shaped
parallax barrier on the observer side of a display panel;

[0084]FIG. 7 is an optical model diagram of a conventional dual-viewpoint
three-dimensional image display device equipped with a slit-shaped
parallax barrier on the rear surface of a display panel;

[0085]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a fly eye lens;

[0086]FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating one display pixel in a
three-dimensional image display device according to a first embodiment of
the present invention;

[0087]FIG. 10 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line A-A' illustrated in FIG. 9;

[0088]FIG. 11 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line B-B' illustrated in FIG. 9;

[0089]FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a portable terminal
device according to the present embodiment;

[0090]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating operation in a case
wherein the three-dimensional image display device according to the
present embodiment is disposed such that a first direction is identical
to a direction of both eyes;

[0091]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating operation in a case
wherein the three-dimensional image display device according to the
present embodiment is disposed such that a second direction is identical
to a direction of both eyes;

[0092]FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating displacement of both
ends, of displacements wherein when the direction of both eyes is set to
be identical to a first direction 21, the observer can recognize a
three-dimensional image by positioning a left-eye 61 to a left-eye
magnifying projection region, and a right-eye 62 to a right-eye
magnifying projection region, wherein FIG. 15A illustrates a case of
(Y/3)≦(e/3), i.e., 0≦Y≦e, and FIG. 15B illustrates a
case of (Y/6)≦(e/3)≦(Y/3), i.e.,
e≦Y≦(2×e);

[0093]FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an optical model in a case of
(e/3)=(Y/2), i.e., Y=(2/3)×e;

[0094]FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an optical model in a case of
(e/3)=(Y/4), i.e., Y=(4/3)×e;

[0095]FIGS. 18A through 18F are diagrams illustrating displacement of both
ends, of displacements wherein when the direction of both eyes is set to
be identical to a second direction 22, the observer can recognize a
three-dimensional image by positioning a left-eye 61 to a left-eye
magnifying projection region, and a right-eye 62 to a right-eye
magnifying projection region, wherein FIG. 18A illustrates a case of
Y≦(e/3), i.e., 0≦Y≦(e/3), FIG. 18B illustrates a
case of (Y/2)≦(e/3)≦Y, i.e.,
(e/3)≦Y≦(2/3)×e, FIG. 18C illustrates a case of
(Y/3)≦(e/3)≦(Y/2), i.e., (2/3)×e≦Y≦e,
FIG. 18D illustrates a case of (Y/4)≦(e/3)≦(Y/3), i.e.,
e≦Y≦(4/3)×e, FIG. 18E illustrates a case of
(Y/5)≦(e/3)≦(Y/4), i.e.,
(4/3)×e≦Y≦(5/3)×e, and FIG. 18F illustrates a
case of (Y/6)≦(e/3)≦(Y/5), i.e.,
(5/3)×e≦Y≦(2×e);

[0096]FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an optical model in a case of
(e/3)=(Y/2), i.e., Y=(2/3)×e;

[0097]FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an optical model in a case of
(e/3)=(Y/4), i.e., Y=(4/3)×e;

[0099]FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views illustrating a handheld
phone according to a modification of the first embodiment, FIG. 22A
illustrates a case wherein a three-dimensional image display device is
used on a normal arrangement, and FIG. 22B illustrates a case wherein the
three-dimensional image display device is rotated by 90° prior to
use;

[0100]FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating operation for switching display
images based on arrangement direction of the three-dimensional image
display device according to the present modification;

[0101]FIG. 24 is an optical model diagram in a case wherein a
three-dimensional image display device according to a second embodiment
of the present invention is disposed such that a first direction is the
direction of both eyes of the observer;

[0102]FIG. 25 is an optical model diagram in a case wherein the
three-dimensional image display device according to the second embodiment
of the present invention is disposed such that a second direction is the
direction of both eyes of the observer;

[0103]FIG. 26 is an optical model diagram in a case wherein a
three-dimensional image display device according to a third embodiment of
the present invention is disposed such that a first direction is the
direction of both eyes of the observer;

[0104]FIG. 27 is an optical model diagram in a case wherein the
three-dimensional image display device according to the third embodiment
of the present invention is disposed such that a second direction is the
direction of both eyes of the observer;

[0105]FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional image
display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0106]FIG. 29 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line C-C' illustrated in FIG. 28;

[0107]FIG. 30 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line D-D' illustrated in FIG. 28;

[0108]FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional image
display device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of
the present invention;

[0109]FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional image
display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0110]FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional image
display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0111]FIG. 34 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line E-E' illustrated in FIG. 33;

[0112]FIG. 35 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line F-F' illustrated in FIG. 33; and

[0113]FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional image
display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0114]Description will be made below regarding preferred embodiments of
the present invention with reference to the appended drawings in detail.

First Embodiment

[0115]First, description will be made regarding a first embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating one display
pixel in a three-dimensional image display device according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an optical model diagram
illustrating a cross-section taken along line A-A' illustrated in FIG. 9,
FIG. 11 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section taken
along line B-B' illustrated in FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view
illustrating a portable terminal device according to the present
embodiment.

[0116]As illustrated in FIG. 9, with a three-dimensional image display
device 1 according to the present embodiment, a fly eye lens 3, a display
panel 2, and light source (not shown) are provided in that order from the
observer side. Examples of the display panel 2 include a transmissive
liquid crystal panel. The display panel 2 is configured of numerous
display pixels, and one display pixel is made up of pixels 401 through
412 with three primary colors, i.e., RGB arrayed in a striped shape. That
is to say, a red pixel A401 and a red pixel B402 are adjacent to each
other, and the red pixel A401 and a green pixel A405 are adjacent to each
other. In the same way, the red pixel B402 and a green pixel B406 are
adjacent to each other. Further, a blue pixel A409 is adjacent to the
green pixel A405, and a blue pixel B410 is adjacent to the green pixel
B406. The other pixels have the same color array relation, as illustrated
in FIG. 9.

[0117]Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 9, let us say that the
direction where the same colored pixels are arrayed consecutively is a
first direction 21, and the direction where mutually different colored
pixels are arrayed repeatedly is a second direction 22. The pitch of the
colored pixels in the second direction 22 is one third (1/3) of the pitch
in the first direction 21. With the fly eye lens 3, curvature in the
first direction is the same as curvature in the second direction, and the
lens pitch in the second direction 22 is one third (1/3) of the lens
pitch in the first direction 21. In other words, four pixels in total
arrayed in 2×2 matrix along the first direction 21 and second
direction 22 (for example, red pixel A401, red pixel B402, green pixel
A405, and green pixel B406) correspond to one lens element in the fly eye
lens 3. Subsequently, one display unit is made up of 12 pixels 401
through 412. A shielding unit 6 is provided between respective pixels for
preventing color mixture of images, and also hiding wiring for
transmitting display signals to pixels.

[0118]At this time, in the event that the display panel is disposed such
that the first direction 21 is parallel to the direction where a line
connecting both eyes of the observer extends, two pixels arrayed in the
first direction 21 serve as a left-eye pixel and a right-eye pixel
respectively based on the positional relation as to the corresponding fly
eye lens. For example, the red pixel A401 and green pixel A405 serve as
left-eye pixels, and the red pixel B402 and green pixel B406 serve as
right-eye pixels.

[0119]In the same way, in the event that the display panel is disposed
such that the second direction 22 is identical to the direction of both
eyes, two pixels arrayed in the second direction 22 serve as a left-eye
pixel and a right-eye pixel respectively based on the positional relation
as to the corresponding fly eye lens. For example, the red pixel A401 and
red pixel B402 serve as left-eye pixels, and the green pixel A405 and
green pixel B406 serve as right-eye pixels. With the adjacent lens
element of the fly eye lens, in the same way, the blue pixel A409 and
blue pixel B410 serve as left-eye pixels, and a red pixel C403 and red
pixel D404 serve as right-eye pixels. With the adjacent but one lens
element of the fly eye lens, in the same way, a green pixel C407 and
green pixel D408 serve as left-eye pixels, and a blue pixel C411 and blue
pixel D412 serve as right-eye pixels.

[0120]As illustrated in FIG. 10, the pixel pitch in the first direction 21
is P, and the distance between the fly eye lens 3 and the display panel 2
(hereinafter, referred to as "lens-pixel distance") is H. Let us say that
a observation surface is set on a position with an observation distance
OD from the lens surface, the magnifying projection width of one pixel is
e, and mean interpupillary distance (the spacing between eyes of the
average observer) is Y. Incidentally, the mean interpupillary distance of
an adult male is 65 mm with standard deviations of ±3.7 mm, and the
mean interpupillary distance of an adult female is 62 mm with standard
deviations of ±3.6 mm (Neil A. Dodgson, "Variation and extrema of
human interpupillary distance," Proc. SPIE vol. 5291). Therefore, it is
suitable that the mean interpupillary distance Y is appropriately set in
the range of 62-65 mm, in the case of designing the three-dimensional
image display device according to the present embodiment for average
adult persons. For example, Y=63 mm. When the direction of both eyes is
identical to the first direction 21, the pixels for displaying a
right-eye image and the pixels for displaying a left-eye image are
alternatively arrayed. For example, when the red pixel A401 displays a
left-eye image, the red pixel B402 displays a right-eye image.

[0121]Also, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the pixel pitch in the second
direction 22 is (P/3), and accordingly, the magnifying projection width
of one pixel is (e/3). With the present embodiment, the left eye 61 of
the observer is positioned on the magnifying projection area of the green
pixel A405, the right eye 62 of the observer is positioned on the
magnifying projection area of the green pixel C407, and the magnifying
projection area of the blue pixel A409 and magnifying projection area of
the red pixel C403 are disposed between the magnifying projection area of
the green pixel A405 and the green pixel C407. In other words, the
magnifying projection area of the green pixel A405 and magnifying
projection area of the blue pixel A409, and magnifying projection area of
the red pixel C403 and the green pixel C407 are disposed between the left
eye 61 and right eye 62 in that order from the left eye 61 side to the
right eye 62 side. When the direction of both eyes is of the observer
identical to the second direction 22, the pixels for displaying a
right-eye image and the pixels for displaying a left-eye image are
alternatively arrayed. For example, when the green pixel A405, red pixel
C403, and blue pixel C411 display a left-eye image, the red pixel A401,
blue pixel A409, and green pixel C407 display a right-eye image. That is
to say, during the mean interpupillary distance of the observers, the
left and right images are changed three times.

[0122]With the present embodiment, when j and k are natural numbers, in
the observation surface, the mean interpupillary distance Y of the
observer and the magnifying projection width e in the first direction 21
satisfy the following Expression 43, satisfy the following Expression 44
for example, and satisfy the following Expression 45 for example. Note
that the following Expression 45 is in a case of k=1 in the following
Expression 44.

[0123]Note that in the event that the number of times for switching left
and right images during the mean interpupillary distance of the observers
is N, and also N is an odd number, the above Expressions 43 and 44 can be
represented as the following Expressions 46 and 47 respectively.

Y/(N+1)<e/3<Y/(N-1) (Expression 46)

Y/(N+1/2)<e/3<Y/(N-1/2) (Expression 47)

[0124]In FIG. 11, the number of times for switching left and right images
during the mean interpupillary distance is 3, but this number of times
becomes 2 depending on the position of both eyes of the observer. At this
time, in the event of employing an odd number 3 as the value of N, the
above Expression 47 is identical to the above Expression 45.

[0125]Also, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the three-dimensional image display
device 1 according to the present embodiment can be mounted in a portable
terminal device such as a handheld phone 9, for example.

[0126]Next, description will be made regarding operation of the
three-dimensional image display device 1 according to the present
embodiment having the aforementioned configuration, i.e., a
three-dimensional image display method according to the present
embodiment. First, description will be made regarding a case wherein the
three-dimensional image display device 1 is disposed such that the
direction of both eyes of the observer is identical to the first
direction 21. FIG. 13 is an optical model diagram illustrating operation
in a case wherein the three-dimensional image display device according to
the present embodiment is disposed such that the first direction is
identical to the direction of both eyes. As illustrated in FIG. 9 and
FIG. 13, first, a light source 10 is turned on. Upon the light source 10
being turned on, the light emitted from the light source 10 is cast into
the display panel 2. On the other hand, a control device (not shown)
drives the display panel 2, and controls each left-eye pixel and each
right-eye pixel to display a left-eye image and right-eye image
respectively. At this time, the display panel 2 displays a
mutually-different-eye image on a pixel set (hereinafter, referred to as
"first pixel set") made up of the pixels 401, 405, 409, 403, 407, and
411, and a pixel set (hereinafter, referred to as "second pixel set")
made up of the pixels 402, 406, 410, 404, 408, and 412. For example, the
display panel 2 displays a left-eye image on the first pixel set, and a
right-eye image on the second pixel set.

[0127]Subsequently, the light cast into the left-eye pixels and right-eye
pixels of the display panel 2 passes through these pixels, and proceeds
to the fly eye lens 3. The light is refracted by the fly eye lens 3, the
light passed through the first pixel set of the display panel 2 proceeds
to a region ELL and the light passed through the second pixel set
proceeds to a region ER1. At this time, upon the observer positioning the
left eye 61 to the region ELL and the right eye 62 to the region ER1, a
left-eye image is input to the left eye 61, and also a right-eye image is
input to the right eye 62. In the event that there is parallax between
images to be viewed with the left eye and with the right eye, the
observer can recognize an image displayed by the display panel 2 as a
three-dimensional image.

[0128]Next, description will be made regarding a case wherein the
three-dimensional image display device 1 is disposed such that the
direction of both eyes is identical to the second direction 22. FIG. 14
is an optical model diagram illustrating operation in a case wherein the
three-dimensional image display device according to the present
embodiment is disposed such that the second direction is identical to the
direction of both eyes. As illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 14, the control
device (not shown) drives the display panel 2 to display a
mutually-different-eye image on a pixel set (hereinafter, referred to as
"third pixel set") made up of the pixels 401, 402, 409, 410, 407, and
408, and a pixel set (hereinafter, referred to as "fourth pixel set")
made up of the pixels 405, 406, 403, 404, 411, and 412. For example, the
display panel 2 displays a right-eye image on the third pixel set, and a
left-eye image on the fourth pixel set.

[0129]Subsequently, the light source 10 turns on, the light emitted from
the light source 10 passes through each pixel on the display panel 2, and
proceed to the fly eye lens 3. The light is refracted by the fly eye lens
3, and the light passed through the third pixel set and the light passed
through the fourth pixel set, of the display panel 2, proceed in mutually
different directions. More specifically, the light emitted from the blue
pixel A409 and the light emitted from the red pixel C403 are projected
onto a region ER0 and region EL0 respectively by the corresponding lens
element 3b. In the same way, the light emitted from the red pixel A401
and the light emitted from the green pixel A405 are projected onto the
region ER0 and region EL0 respectively by the corresponding lens element
3a, and the light emitted from the green pixel C407 and the light emitted
from the blue pixel C411 are projected onto the region ER0 and region EL0
respectively by the corresponding lens element 3c. Also, the light
emitted from the red pixel A401 and the light emitted from the green
pixel A405 are passed through the lens element 3b adjacent to the
corresponding lens element 3a, and then are projected onto the region ER2
and region EL1. In the same way, the light emitted from the green pixel
C407 and the light emitted from the blue pixel C411 are passed through
the lens element 3b adjacent to the corresponding lens element 3c, and
then are projected onto the region ER1 and region EL2. Thus, the light
emitted from the pixels for displaying a left-eye image is projected onto
the region EL0, EL1, or EL2, and the light emitted from the pixels for
displaying a right-eye image is projected onto the region ER0, ER1, or
ER2.

[0130]At this time, upon the observer positioning the left eye 61 to the
regions EL0, EL1, or EL2 where the light for the left eye is projected,
and also positioning the right eye 62 to the regions ER0, ER1, or ER2
where the light for the right eye is projected, a left-eye image is input
to the left eye 61, and also a right-eye image is input to the right eye
62. In the event that both left-eye image and right-eye image include
parallax, the observer can recognize an image displayed by the display
panel 2 as a three-dimensional image.

[0131]Next, description will be made regarding the reason for restricting
numerical values. More specifically, description will be made regarding
the reason why the aforementioned Expressions 43 through 45 are
established. Description will be made regarding probability to enable
stereoscopic viewing (hereinafter, referred to "stereoscopic viewing
probability") when the observer randomly positions his/her own both eyes
to the observation surface of the three-dimensional image display device.

[0132]First, a case wherein the direction of both eyes is set to be
identical to the first direction 21 will be described. FIGS. 15A and 15B
are diagrams illustrating displacement of both ends, of displacements
wherein when the direction of both eyes is set to be identical to a first
direction 21, the observer can recognize a three-dimensional image by
positioning the left eye 61 on a left-eye magnifying projection region,
and the right eye 62 on a right-eye magnifying projection region, FIG.
15A illustrates a case of (Y/3)≦(e/3), i.e., 0≦Y≦e,
and FIG. 15B illustrates a case of (Y/6)≦(e/3)≦(Y/3), i.e.,
e≦Y≦(2×e). In FIGS. 15A and 15B, on the observation
surface, a region where a left-eye image is projected is represented with
a heavy line, and a region where a right-eye image is projected is
represented with a light line. Also, the boundary point between a
left-eye magnifying projection region and a right-eye magnifying
projection region is assumed to be the origin O. FIG. 16 is a diagram
illustrating an optical model in a case of (e/3)=(Y/2), i.e.,
Y=(2/3)×e, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an optical model
in a case of (e/3)=(Y/4), i.e., Y=(4/3)×e. As described above, in
the event that the direction of both eyes is identical to the first
direction 21, the magnifying projection region width of one pixel is e,
so the magnifying projection region width of a pair of left and right
pixels adjacent to each other is (2×e). Accordingly, let us say
that a region of this length (2×e) is a basic unit region, and
description will be made regarding the position of a midpoint 63 between
the left eye 61 and the right eye 62 to obtain stereoscopic viewing
within this basic unit region.

(1-1) Case of (Y/3)≦(e/3) (0≦Y≦e)

[0133]As illustrated in FIG. 15A, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 between the left eye 61 and the right eye 62 and the
origin O is (Y/2) or less, the observer can recognize a three-dimensional
image. Accordingly, since the length of the displacement range of the
midpoint 63 to allow the observer to recognize a three-dimensional image
is (2×E), when the observer randomly positions his/her own both
eyes to the observation surface of the three-dimensional image display
device, stereoscopic viewing probability PR to enable stereoscopic
viewing is obtained by the following Expression 48.

PR=(2×E)/(2×e)=2×(Y/2)/(2×e)=Y/(2×e)
(Expression 48)

(1-2) Case of (Y/6)≦(e/3)≦(Y/3)
(e≦Y≦(2×e))

[0134]As illustrated in FIG. 15B, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 and the origin O is (e-(Y/2)) or less, the observer can
recognize a three-dimensional image. Accordingly, since the length of the
displacement range of the midpoint 63 to allow the observer to recognize
a three-dimensional image is (2×E), the stereoscopic viewing
probability PR is obtained by the following Expression 49.

PR=2×E/(2×e)=2×(e-Y/2)/(2×e)=1-Y/(2×e)
(Expression 49)

[0135]As can be understood from Expressions 48 and 49, the stereoscopic
viewing probability PR simply increases when the value of (e/3) is within
the range of the aforementioned (1-1), reaches the maximal value when the
value of (e/3) is (Y/3), and simply decreases when the value of (e/3) is
within the range of the aforementioned (1-2).

[0137]Next, description will be made regarding stereoscopic viewing
probability in a case wherein the direction of both eyes is set to be
identical to the second direction 22. FIGS. 18A through 18F are diagrams
illustrating displacement of both ends, of displacements wherein when the
direction of both eyes is set to be identical to the second direction 22,
the observer can recognize a three-dimensional image by positioning the
left eye 61 to a left-eye magnifying projection region, and the right eye
62 to a right-eye magnifying projection region, FIG. 18A illustrates a
case of Y≦(e/3), i.e., 0≦Y≦(e/3), FIG. 18B
illustrates a case of (Y/2)≦(e/3)≦Y, i.e.,
(e/3)≦Y≦(2/3)×e, FIG. 18C illustrates a case of
(Y/3)≦(e/3)≦(Y/2), i.e., (2/3)×e≦Y≦e,
FIG. 18D illustrates a case of (Y/4)≦(e/3)≦(Y/3), i.e.,
e≦Y≦(4/3)×e, FIG. 18E illustrates a case of
(Y/5)≦(e/3)≦(Y/4), i.e.,
(4/3)×e≦Y≦(5/3)×e, and FIG. 18F illustrates a
case of (Y/6)≦(e/3)≦(Y/5), i.e.,
(5/3)×e≦Y≦(2×e). In FIGS. 18A through 18F, of
the observation surface, a region where a left-eye image is projected is
represented with a heavy line, and a region where a right-eye image is
projected is represented with a light line. Also, the boundary point
between a left-eye magnifying projection region and a right-eye
magnifying projection region is assumed to be the origin O.

[0138]Also, FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an optical model in a case
of (e/3)=(Y/2), i.e., Y=(2/3)×e, FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating
an optical model in a case of (e/3)=(Y/4), i.e., Y=(4/3)×e. As
described above, in the event that the direction of both eyes is
identical to the second direction 22, the magnifying projection region
width of one pixel is (e/3), so the magnifying projection region width of
a pair of left and right pixel adjacent to each other is (2/3)×e.
Accordingly, let us say that a region of this length (2/3)×e is a
basic unit region, and description will be made regarding the position of
the midpoint 63 between the left eye 61 and the right eye 62 to obtain
stereoscopic viewing within this basic unit region.

(2-1) Case of Y≦(e/3) (0≦Y≦(e/3))

[0139]As illustrated in FIG. 18A, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 between the left eye 61 and the right eye 62 and the
origin O is (Y/2) or less, the observer can recognize a three-dimensional
image. Accordingly, since the length of the displacement range of the
midpoint 63 to allow the observer to recognize a three-dimensional image
is (2×E), when the observer randomly positions his/her own both
eyes to the observation surface of the three-dimensional image display
device, the stereoscopic viewing probability PR to enable stereoscopic
viewing is obtained by the following Expression 50. Note that at this
time, the number of times N for switching left and right images during
the mean interpupillary distance is zero or 1.

PR=(2×E)/(2×e/3)=2×(Y/2)/(2×e)=(3×Y)/(2.time-
s.e) (Expression 50)

(2-2) Case of (Y/2)≦(e/3)≦Y
((e/3)≦Y≦(2/3)×e)

[0140]As illustrated in FIG. 18B, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 and the origin O is ((e/3)-(Y/2)) or less, the observer
can recognize a three-dimensional image. Accordingly, since the length of
the displacement range of the midpoint 63 to allow the observer to
recognize a three-dimensional image is (2×E), the stereoscopic
viewing probability PR is obtained by the following Expression 51.

PR=(2×E)/((2/3)×e)=1-(3×Y)/(2×e) (Expression 51)

(2-3) Case of (Y/3)≦(e/3)≦(Y/2)
((2/3)×e≦Y≦e)

[0141]As illustrated in FIG. 18C, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 and the outside edge of the basic unit region is
((Y/2)-(e/3)) or more, the observer can recognize a three-dimensional
image. Accordingly, since the length of the displacement range of the
midpoint 63 to allow the observer to recognize a three-dimensional image
is (2×E), the stereoscopic viewing probability PR is obtained by
the following Expression 52. Note that at this time, the number of times
N for switching left and right images during the mean interpupillary
distance is 2 or 3.

PR=(2×E)/((2/3)×e)=-1+(3×Y)/e (Expression 52)

(2-4) Case of (Y/4)≦(e/3)≦(Y/3)
((e≦Y≦(4/3)×e)

[0142]As illustrated in FIG. 18D, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 and the outside edge of the basic unit region is
((2/3)×e-(Y/2)) or more, the observer can recognize a
three-dimensional image. Accordingly, since the length of the
displacement range of the midpoint 63 to allow the observer to recognize
a three-dimensional image is (2×E), the stereoscopic viewing
probability PR is obtained by the following Expression 53. Note that at
this time, the number of times N for switching left and right images
during the mean interpupillary distance is 3 or 4.

PR=(2×E)/((2/3)×e)=2-(3×Y)/(2×e)

(2-5) Case of (Y/5)≦(e/3)≦(Y/4)
((4/3)×e≦Y≦(5/3)×e)

[0143]As illustrated in FIG. 18E, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 and the origin O is ((Y/2)-(2/3)×e) or less, the
observer can recognize a three-dimensional image. Accordingly, since the
length of the displacement range of the midpoint 63 to allow the observer
to recognize a three-dimensional image is (2×E), the stereoscopic
viewing probability PR is obtained by the following Expression 54. Note
that at this time, the number of times N for switching left and right
images during the mean interpupillary distance is 4 or 5.

PR=(2×E)/((2/3)×e)=-2+(3×Y)/(2×e) (Expression 54)

(2-6) Case of (Y/6)≦(e/3)≦(Y/5)
((5/3)×e≦Y≦(2×e))

[0144]As illustrated in FIG. 18F, in a case wherein the distance E between
the midpoint 63 and the origin O is (e-(Y/2)) or less, the observer can
recognize a three-dimensional image. Accordingly, since the length of the
displacement range of the midpoint 63 to allow the observer to recognize
a three-dimensional image is (2×E), the stereoscopic viewing
probability PR is obtained by the following Expression 55. Note that at
this time, the number of times N for switching left and right images
during the mean interpupillary distance is 5 or 6.

PR=(2×E)/((2/3)×e)=3-(3×Y)/(2×e) (Expression 55)

[0145]Expressions 50 through 55 are mutually consecutive functions, the
stereoscopic viewing probability PR simply increases when the value of
(e/3) is within the range of the aforementioned (2-1), (2-2), and (2-5),
simply decreases when the value of (e/3) is within the range of the
aforementioned (2-2), (2-4), and (2-6), reaches the maximal value when
the value of (e/3) is (Y/5), (Y/3), and Y, and reaches the minimal value
when the value of (e/3) is (Y/4) and (Y/2). The aforementioned
Expressions 49 through 55 are summarized in Table 1.

[0146]FIG. 21 is a graph illustrating Expression 48 through Expression 55
wherein the horizontal axis represents the values of (e/3) and Y, and the
vertical axis represents stereoscopic viewing probability PR. Note that
the vertical axis in FIG. 21 is in percent (%). Also, stereoscopic
viewing probability when the direction of both eyes is the first
direction (Expressions 48 and 49) is represented with a solid line, and
stereoscopic viewing probability when the direction of both eyes is the
second direction (Expressions 50 through 55) is represented with a dashed
line. As can be understood from FIG. 21, the cycle of stereoscopic
viewing probability when the three-dimensional image display device is
disposed such that the first direction 21 is the direction of both eyes
of the observer is three times faster than the cycle of stereoscopic
viewing probability when the three-dimensional image display device is
disposed such that the second direction 22 becomes the direction of both
eyes. Note that even in a range other than (Y/6)<(e/3), similar
periodicity is recognized between stereoscopic viewing probability and
the value of (e/3).

[0147]In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 21, as long as the cycle
(e/3) of the magnifying projection region of the pixels in the second
direction 22 satisfies the following Expression 56, even if the direction
of both eyes is either the first direction 21 or the second direction 22,
the observer can recognize a three-dimensional image with probability
greater than zero. Note that the following Expression 56 is the same
expression as Expression 43.

e/3≠Y/(2×j) (Expression 56)

[0148]Also, if the value of (e/3) satisfies the following Expression 57,
the value of (e/3) is included in a region 31 illustrated in FIG. 21.
Note that the following Expression 57 is the same expression as
Expression 44. Consequently, even if the direction of both eyes is set to
either the first direction 21 or the second direction 22, high
stereoscopic viewing probability can be obtained. That is to say, from
Expression 48 and Expression 49, the stereoscopic viewing probability PR
in the case wherein the direction of both eyes is set to the first
direction 21 becomes 42 through 50%. On the other hand, from Expression
52 and Expression 53, the stereoscopic viewing probability PR in the case
wherein the direction of both eyes is set to the second direction 22
becomes 25 through 50%. With the present embodiment, the value of (e/3)
satisfies the following Expression 58, for example.

[0149]More preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the value of (e/3)
satisfies the following Expression 59. Note that with the following
Expression 59, if k=1, (e/3)=(Y/3), i.e., Y becomes equal to e. This is
equivalent to an intersecting point 32 illustrated in FIG. 21. In this
case, even if the direction of both eyes is set to either the first
direction 21 or the second direction 22, the stereoscopic viewing
probability PR becomes 50%, whereby the observer can obtain the maximal
visibility of three-dimensional images.

e 3 = Y 3 × ( 2 × k - 1 ) ( Expression
59 ) ##EQU00036##

[0150]Note that the smaller the value of (e/3) as to the mean
interpupillary distance Y, the more the number of times for switching
left and right images during the mean interpupillary distance increases.
Accordingly, even with the same stereoscopic viewing probability, the
array cycle between a range for enabling stereoscopic viewing and a range
for disabling stereoscopic viewing becomes short, leading to the
difficulty for the observer to position his/her both eyes to a region for
enabling stereoscopic viewing. Accordingly, satisfying Y/6<e/3 is
preferable. Thus, the number of times N for switching left and right
images during the mean interpupillary distance becomes 6 or less. Note
that this range is equivalent to a range 35 (Y/6<e/3<Y/4), range 30
(Y/4<e/3<Y/2), and range 33 (Y/2<e/3) in FIG. 21.

[0151]According to the present embodiment, since the cycle of the
magnifying projection region is set so as to satisfy Expression 56, even
if the direction of both eyes is either the first direction 21 or the
second direction 22, the observer can recognize three-dimensional images.
In particular, if the cycle of the magnifying projection region is set so
as to satisfy Expression 57, the visibility of three-dimensional images
more improves, if the cycle is set so as to satisfy Expression 59, the
visibility further improves.

[0152]Also, with the three-dimensional image display device according to
the present embodiment, since a fly eye lens is employed as an optical
unit, blacked striping due to a barrier lens does not occur, and light
loss is small, as compared with the case of employing a parallax barrier.

[0153]Further, the three-dimensional image display device according to the
present embodiment can be applied to portable equipment such as handheld
phones appropriately, and can display good three-dimensional images. In
the case wherein the three-dimensional image display device according to
the present embodiment is applied to portable equipment, different from
the case of applying this to a large-sized display device, since the
observer can adjust the positional relation between his/her both eyes and
a display screen arbitrarily, the most appropriate visible region can be
found immediately.

[0154]Note that as shown in Expressions 16 and 17, the distance H between
the apex of the lens and one pixel is usually set the same as the focal
point f of the lens, but a different value may be set. In this case,
while the magnifying projection width e of one pixel exhibits a great
value due to blur, the value of the magnifying projection width e should
be handled as the width of a blurred image to apply the present
invention. The image of a non-display region is also blurred by blurring
the image of one pixel, thereby preventing striping due to the
non-display region from occurring.

[0155]Also, with the present embodiment, while a transmissive liquid
crystal panel has been employed as the display panel, the display panel
is not restricted to this, a reflective liquid crystal display panel, or
a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display panel of which each pixel
includes a transmissive region and a reflective region may be employed.
Also, as for a method for driving a liquid crystal display panel, the
active matrix method such as the TFT (Thin Film Transistor) method, and
TFD (Thin Film Diode) method, or the passive matrix method such as the
STN (Super Twisted Nematic liquid crystal) method may be employed.
Further, as for a display panel, display panels other than liquid crystal
display panels, e.g., an organic electro-luminescence display panel,
plasma display panel, CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display panel, LED (Light
Emitting Diode) display panel, field emission display panel, or PALC
(Plasma Address Liquid Crystal) may be employed.

[0156]Moreover, while the aforementioned description is in the case of
using dual viewpoints, the present invention does not restrict viewpoints
to this, and may be applied to a plurality of viewpoints three or more
viewpoints as well.

[0157]Furthermore, the foregoing description has dealt with the case where
the display pixels are made up of pixels with three primary colors of RGB
arrayed in a stripe shape. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto, and may be similarly applied to the cases with any number of
colors other than three, that is, two color or more than four.

[0158]Furthermore, the three-dimensional image display device according to
the present embodiment can be applied to not only handheld phones, but
also portable terminal devices such as portable terminals, PDAs, game
devices, digital cameras, and digital video cameras.

Modification of First Embodiment

[0159]Next, description will be made regarding a modification of the first
embodiment. FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views illustrating a
handheld phone according to a modification of the first embodiment,
wherein FIG. 22A illustrates a case of using a three-dimensional image
display device on a normal arrangement, and FIG. 22B illustrates a case
of rotating the three-dimensional image display device by 90°
prior to use. As illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, with the handheld
phone, a three-dimensional image display device 1 is mounted so as to be
rotated. The three-dimensional image display device 1 can be disposed on
a normal position (hereinafter, referred to as "vertical array") such as
illustrated in FIG. 22A, and also can be disposed on a position rotated
by 90° from the normal position (hereinafter, referred to as
"horizontal array") such as illustrated in FIG. 22B. For example, the
three-dimensional image display device 1 is connected to a main body of a
handheld phone 9 by means of a rotational connecting member (not
illustrated) which can be rotated while maintaining electrical
connection. In addition, the handheld phone according to the present
modification includes detecting unit (not illustrated) for detecting the
array direction of the three-dimensional image display device 1, and
switches display images based on the array direction such that the
observer can visually recognize three-dimensional images.

[0160]Next, description will be made regarding operation of the handheld
phone according to the present modification. FIG. 23 is a flowchart
illustrating operation for switching display images based on array
direction of the three-dimensional image display device according to the
present modification. With the present modification, let us say that the
direction of both eyes is the second direction 22 in the case of
disposing the three-dimensional image display device vertically, and the
first direction 21 in the case of disposing the three-dimensional image
display device horizontally for the sake of explanation.

[0161]In the initial state, the user (observer) turns the power of the
handheld phone off. Subsequently, as illustrated in Step S1 of FIG. 23,
upon the power of the handheld phone turning on, the handheld phone
detects the array direction of the three-dimensional image display device
1.

[0162]Subsequently, upon detection of vertical array, as illustrated in
Step S2, the handheld phone displays left and right parallax images on
the pixels arrayed in the second direction for each display unit of the
three-dimensional image display device. Thus, the user can recognize
three-dimensional images on the vertical array, following which the flow
returns to Step S1.

[0163]On the other hand, in the event that the three-dimensional image
display device is rotated and set to horizontal array, the handheld phone
detects that the three-dimensional image display device 1 is set to
horizontal array in Step S1. In this case, the flow proceeds to Step S3,
the three-dimensional image display device 1 displays left and right
parallax images on the pixels arrayed in the first direction for each
display unit. Thus, the user can recognize three-dimensional images on
the horizontal array, following which the flow returns to Step S1.

[0164]As described above, while the three-dimensional image display device
displays parallax images on the pixels arrayed in the second direction at
the time of vertical array, the same information should be displayed on
the pixels arrayed in the first direction. Thus, even in the case of
changing the observation angle in the vertical direction, a wide view
angle can be obtained. Also, different information may be displayed on
the pixels arrayed in the first direction. Thus, different information
can be obtained by simply changing the observation angle for observing
the three-dimensional image display device to the vertical direction.
This is the same at the time of horizontal array.

[0165]As described above, with the present modification, the direction for
displaying images can be switched by rotating the three-dimensional image
display device alone without rotating the handheld phone itself. Also,
the direction for displaying images can be switched by the detecting unit
to detect the direction of the three-dimensional image display device in
collaboration with the direction of the three-dimensional image display
device.

Second Embodiment

[0166]Next, description will be made regarding a second embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 24 is an optical model diagram in a case wherein
a three-dimensional image display device according to a second embodiment
of the present invention is disposed such that the aforementioned first
direction becomes the direction of both eyes of an observer. FIG. 25 is
an optical model diagram in a case wherein the three-dimensional image
display device according to the second embodiment of the present
invention is disposed such that the aforementioned second direction is
the direction of both eyes of the observer. The present embodiment is in
a case wherein magnifying power of pixels is increased compared with that
in the first embodiment, the value of (e/3) is included in the range 33
in FIG. 21. In other words, the value of (e/3) satisfies the following
Expression 60. In this case, in the event that the three-dimensional
image display device is disposed such that the second direction 22
becomes the direction of both eyes, the number of times N for switching
left and right images during the mean interpupillary distance becomes
zero or 1 depending on the position of both eyes, in the event that both
eyes are positioned so as to recognize three-dimensional images, N
becomes 1.

(Y/2)<(e/3) (Expression 60)

[0167]Also, as illustrated in FIG. 21, if the value of (e/3) is set to be
identical to the intersecting point 34 between Expression 48 and
Expression 51, the stereoscopic viewing probability PR in the case
wherein the direction of both eyes is set to the first direction 21 is
identical to the stereoscopic viewing probability PR in the case wherein
the direction of both eyes is set to the second direction 22, whereby the
same visibility on both vertical array and horizontal array can be
obtained. From Expression 48 and Expression 51, the value of (e/3) at the
intersecting point 34 becomes the value shown in the following Expression
61, and the stereoscopic viewing probability PR at that time becomes 25%
in either the case wherein the direction of both eyes is the first
direction 21 or the case wherein the direction of both eyes is the second
direction 22. Accordingly, the value of (e/3) is preferably set to the
value shown in the following Expression 61. In general, note that the
following Expression 61 can be represented such as shown in the following
Expression 62. The following Expression 61 is the case of k=1 in the
following Expression 62. Other than the aforementioned configuration,
operation and advantages, the present embodiment is the same as the first
embodiment.

[0168]Next, description will be made regarding a third embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 26 is an optical model diagram in a case wherein
a three-dimensional image display device according to a third embodiment
of the present invention is disposed such that the aforementioned first
direction becomes the direction of both eyes of an observer, FIG. 27 is
an optical model diagram in a case wherein the three-dimensional image
display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention
is disposed such that the aforementioned second direction is the
direction of both eyes of the observer. The present embodiment is in a
case wherein magnifying power of pixels is decreased compared with that
in the first embodiment, the pixel magnifying projection width e/3 in the
second direction 22 satisfies the following Expression 63 as to the mean
interpupillary distance. This is equivalent to the range 35 illustrated
in FIG. 21. In this case, in the event that the three-dimensional image
display device is disposed such that the second direction 22 becomes the
direction of both eyes, the number of times N for switching left and
right images during the mean interpupillary distance of the observers
becomes 4 through 6 depending on the position of both eyes, in the event
that both eyes are positioned so as to recognize three-dimensional
images, N becomes 5.

(Y/6)<(e/3)<(Y/4) (Expression 63)

[0169]Also, as illustrated in FIG. 21, if the value of (e/3) is set to be
identical to an intersecting point 36 between Expression 49 and
Expression 54, the stereoscopic viewing probability PR in the case
wherein the direction of both eyes is set to the first direction 21 is
identical to the stereoscopic viewing probability PR in the case wherein
the direction of both eyes is set to the second direction 22, whereby the
same visibility on both vertical array and horizontal array can be
obtained. From Expression 50 and Expression 55, the value of (e/3) at the
intersecting point 36 becomes the value shown in the following Expression
64, and the stereoscopic viewing probability PR at that time becomes 25%
in either the case wherein the direction of both eyes is the first
direction 21 or the case wherein the direction of both eyes is the second
direction 22. Accordingly, the value of (e/3) is preferably set to the
value shown in the following Expression 64. In general, note that the
following Expression 64 can be represented such as shown in the following
Expression 65. The following Expression 64 is the case of k=1 in the
following Expression 65. Other than the aforementioned configuration,
operation and advantages, the present embodiment is the same as the first
embodiment.

[0170]Next, description will be made regarding a fourth embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a
three-dimensional image display device according to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention, FIG. 29 is an optical model diagram
illustrating a cross-section taken along line C-C' illustrated in FIG.
28, and FIG. 30 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section
taken along line D-D' illustrated in FIG. 28. As illustrated in FIG. 28,
with the fourth embodiment, the pixels on the display panel 2 are arrayed
in square formation wherein the pitch in the first direction 21 and the
pitch in the second direction 22 are equal to each other. The pixels for
left and right dual viewpoint in the first direction 21 and the pixels
for left and right dual viewpoint in the second direction 22 are disposed
in a (2×2) matrix for each display unit, thereby making up a pixel
matrix. The shape of pixels is a square, and accordingly, the shape of
the pixel matrix is also a square. Further, a plurality of pixel matrixes
are arrayed in a matrix on the display panel 2.

[0171]Also, with the fly eye lens 3, one lens element thereof is disposed
so as to correspond to one pixel matrix made up of (2×2) pixels. In
other words, lens elements are arrayed in a matrix. In an illustrated
example, a pixel matrix made up of the red pixel A401, red pixel B402,
red pixel C403, and red pixel D404 corresponds to one lens element. In
the same way, a pixel matrix made up of the green pixel A405, green pixel
B406, green pixel C407, and green pixel D408 corresponds to one lens
element, a pixel matrix made up of the blue pixel A409, blue pixel B410,
blue pixel C411, and blue pixel D412 corresponds to one lens element, and
a pixel matrix made up of the cyan pixel A413, cyan pixel B414, cyan
pixel C415, and cyan pixel D416 corresponds to one lens element. Since
the shape of the pixels is a square, the lens pitch in the first
direction is identical to the lens pitch in the second direction. Four
pixels belonging to one pixel matrix are the same colored pixels, the
color of pixels mutually differ between adjacent pixel matrixes.

[0172]Four pixel matrixes arrayed in a (2×2) matrix, i.e., 16 pixels
arrayed in a (4×4) matrix, make up one display unit. Accordingly,
four-colored pixels are provided for each display unit, in addition to
three primary colors, red, blue, and green, cyan (this has different
spectrum from green) pixels are provided.

[0173]Also, as illustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the observation
distance OD, pixel magnifying projection width e in the observation
distance OD, distance H between the apex of the lens and the pixel, and
pixel pitch P in the first direction are configured so as to satisfy
Expressions 10 through 13. Further, the pixel pitch P in the second
direction 22 is identical to the pixel pitch in the first direction.
Other than the aforementioned configuration, operation and advantages,
the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0174]With the present embodiment, since the pixel pitch in the first
direction 21 is identical to the pixel pitch in the second direction, the
other parameters can be set to the same value as well. Accordingly, the
magnifying projection width of one pixel in the same observation surface
can be set to the same value in the first and second directions.
Consequently, even in the event of disposing the three-dimensional image
display device in either direction, visibility of three-dimensional
images can be improved. Also, each pixel matrix is made up of a plurality
of pixels having the same color. Thus, the same colored consecutive
region on the display panel 2 can be expanded, thereby facilitating
manufacture of display panels. Other than the aforementioned advantages,
the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0175]While the foregoing description has dealt with the configuration
with pixels in four colors, or red, blue, green, and cyan, the present
invention is not limited thereto, and may be similarly applied to the
cases with any four colors other than these. Furthermore, any number of
colors other than four is also applicable as well.

Modification of Fourth Embodiment

[0176]Next, description will be made regarding a modification of the
present fourth embodiment. While a pixel matrix corresponding to one lens
element is configured of pixels having the same color in the fourth
embodiment, a pixel matrix is configured of pixels having a different
color in the present modification. FIG. 31 is a perspective view
illustrating a three-dimensional image display device according to the
present modification. As illustrated in FIG. 31, with the present
modification, for example, one pixel matrix is made up of the red pixel
A401, green pixel B406, blue pixel C411, and cyan pixel D416, which
corresponds to one lens element. In the same way, one pixel matrix made
up of the green pixel A405, blue pixel B410, cyan pixel C415, and red
pixel D404, which corresponds to one lens element, one pixel matrix made
up of the blue pixel A409, cyan pixel B414, red pixel C403, and green
pixel D408, which corresponds to one lens element, and one pixel matrix
made up of the cyan pixel A413, red pixel B402, green pixel C407, and
blue pixel D412, which corresponds to one lens element. That is to say,
one viewpoint is configured of different colors, and accordingly, this
color array is a mosaic color array.

[0177]Accordingly, the three-dimensional image display device according to
the present modification is suited for displaying images such as
landscape. On the other hand, as described above, in the case of
configuring one pixel matrix with pixels having the same color, the same
color consecutive region can be expanded, there is an advantage in that
manufacturing of display panels can be facilitated.

[0178]With the present embodiment and a modification thereof, two kinds of
green pixels of which color spectrums are mutually different are employed
to handle four-color pixels, thereby improving color repeatability of the
three-dimensional image display device. Also, normal green and white
pixels may be employed instead of two kinds of green pixels having a
different color spectrum. In this case, there is an advantage wherein
brightness of the three-dimensional image display device can be improved.

Fifth Embodiment

[0179]Description has been made regarding a fifth embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a
three-dimensional image display device according to the fifth embodiment.
The difference between the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment is
in that the lens elements making up a fly eye lens are in a Delta array,
and also pixel matrixes making up one display unit are in a delta array.
The (2×2) pixels making up each pixel matrix are arrayed in a
square in the same way as with the fourth embodiment, and one pixel
matrix is made up of pixels having the same color. More specifically, one
pixel matrix is made up of the red pixel A401, red pixel B402, red pixel
C403, and red pixel D404, which corresponds to one lens element. In the
same way, one pixel matrix made up of the green pixel A405, green pixel
B406, green pixel C407, and green pixel D408, which corresponds to one
lens element, and one pixel matrix made up of the blue pixel A409, blue
pixel B410, blue pixel C411, and blue pixel D412, which corresponds to
one lens element. Subsequently, the aforementioned pixels 401 through 412
make up one display unit.

[0180]With the present embodiment, the lens elements and pixel matrixes
are in Delta array, and a display unit can be configured of three primary
colors, red, green, and blue. Thus, visibility of three-dimensional
images in the first and second directions can be improved while keeping
conformity as to conventional color display. Also, landscape or the like
can be suitably displayed due to a delta array.

Sixth Embodiment

[0181]Next, description will be made regarding a sixth embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a
three-dimensional image display device according to the sixth embodiment,
FIG. 34 is an optical model diagram illustrating a cross-section taken
along line E-E' illustrated in FIG. 33, and FIG. 35 is an optical model
diagram illustrating a cross-section taken along line F-F' illustrated in
FIG. 33. While the first embodiment employs a fly eye lens as the optical
unit, the present embodiment employs two lenticular lenses as the optical
unit. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 33, a lenticular lens 51,
lenticular lens 52, display panel 2, and light source (not illustrated)
are provided in the three-dimensional image display device 1 in that
order from the observer side.

[0182]A plurality of cylindrical lenses making up the lenticular lens 51
of which longitudinal direction is identical to the second direction 22
are arrayed along the first direction 21. Also, a plurality of
cylindrical lenses making up the lenticular lens 52 of which longitudinal
direction is identical to the first direction 21 are arrayed along the
second direction 22. Accordingly, the lenticular lens 51 and lenticular
lens 52 are overlapped such that the longitudinal directions of the
cylindrical lenses are orthogonal to each other. Further, the lenticular
lens 51 is disposed of which the lens surface faces the observer (not
illustrated), and the lenticular lens 52 is disposed of which the lens
surface faces the display panel 2. In other words, the flat surface (the
opposite surface of the lens surface) of a lens 51 faces a lens 52, and
the lens surface of the lens 52 faces the display panel 2. Furthermore,
the lens pitch of the lenticular lens 51 is three times wider than the
lens pitch of the lenticular lens 52.

[0183]As illustrated in FIG. 34, with the observation distance OD, pixel
magnifying projection width e in the observation distance OD, distance H
between the apex of the lens 51 and the pixel, and pixel pitch P in the
first direction 21, the following Expressions 66 through 68 are
established from Expressions 1 and 2.

n×sin α=sin β (Expression 66)

OD×tan β=e (Expression 67)

H×tan α=P (Expression 68)

[0184]As illustrated in FIG. 35, with the observation distance OD, pixel
magnifying projection width e in the observation distance OD, distance H2
between the apex of the lens 52 and the pixel, and pixel pitch (P/3) in
the second direction 22, the following Expressions 69 through 71 are
established.

n×sin α2=sin β2 (Expression 69)

(OD+H-H2)×tan β2=e (Expression 70)

H2×tan α2=P/3 (Expression 71)

[0185]The positions of the lenticular lenses 51 and 52 can be obtained by
calculating the distance H between the lens 51 and the pixel from
Expression 66 through 68, and calculating the distance H2 between the
lens 52 and the pixel from Expressions 69 through 71.

[0186]Since the three-dimensional image display device according to the
present embodiment can independently set the distances between the apexes
of the two lenticular lenses and the pixels, a pixel magnifying
projection width can be set independently in the first direction and in
the second direction. Thus, the pixel magnifying projection width in the
same observation surface can be set to the same value in the first
direction and in the second direction. Consequently, even if the
direction of both eyes is set to be identical to either the first
direction 21 or the second direction 22, visibility of three-dimensional
images can be improved. Also, in the case wherein three-color pixels are
repeatedly arrayed along the second direction, the resolution of images
in the first direction can be identical to that in the second direction
mutually by setting the lens pitch of the lenticular lens 51 three times
wider than the lens pitch of the lenticular lens 52. Other than the
aforementioned configuration, operation and advantages, the present
embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0187]Note that the lens surface of the lenticular lens 52 may be disposed
on the observer side, but as with the present embodiment, if the flat
surface of the lens 51 and the flat surface of the lens 52 are disposed
so as to face each other, the distance H2 between the lens 52 and the
pixel can be set to the value of one third of the distance H between the
apex of the lens 51 and the pixel, thereby enabling smaller distance H2
to be handled, and accordingly, the present invention can be applied to a
highly fine panel having a small pixel pitch P. Accordingly, with the
present embodiment, the lens 51 and lens 52 are disposed such that the
flat surface of the lens 51 and that of the lens 52 face each other.

[0188]Also, disposing an optical film (not shown) such as a polarization
plate between the lenticular lens 51 and lenticular lens 52 enables a
smaller distance H2 to be handled, so this arrangement is effective
regarding the fineness of the three-dimensional image display device.
Further, two parallax barriers on which slits are formed may be employed
instead of the two lenticular lenses 51 and 52. At this time, the
longitudinal directions of the slits on the two-parallax barriers are
orthogonal to each other. Subsequently, one of the parallax barriers
wherein the longitudinal direction of the slits is the second direction,
and the array direction of the slits is the first direction, is
preferably disposed on a position far away from the display panel
compared to the other parallax barrier, and the array pitch of the slits
on the aforementioned one of the parallax barriers is preferably set
three times wider than that of the other parallax barrier.

[0189]Moreover, while the foregoing description has dealt with the
configuration with pixels in three colors, or red, blue, and green, the
present invention is not limited thereto, and may be similarly applied to
the cases with any number of colors other than three. Given the number of
colors Z, it is preferable that the aforementioned one of the lenticular
lenses be given a lens pitch Z times that of the other lenticular lens.
The same holds for the parallax barriers. That is, it is preferable that
the aforementioned one of the parallax barriers be given an array pitch
of the slits Z times that of the other parallax barrier.

Seventh Embodiment

[0190]Next, description will be made regarding a seventh embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a
three-dimensional image display device according to the seventh
embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 36, the difference between the present
embodiment and the first embodiment is in that a parallax barrier 7 is
provided instead of the fly eye lens 3 on the observer's side of the
display panel 2. Further, pinholes 8 are formed in a matrix on the
parallax barrier 7. The present embodiment is the same as the first
embodiment except for the aforementioned configuration.

[0191]With the present embodiment, a barrier is provided instead of a
lens, thereby preventing striping due to the surface reflection of a lens
from occurrence, and further preventing display quality due to this
striping from deterioration. The present embodiment is the same as the
first embodiment except for the aforementioned advantages.

[0192]Note that the parallax barrier 7 may be provided on the rear surface
side of the display panel 2. In this case, this barrier is not
conspicuous when the observer observes images, thereby improving
visibility. Alternatively, with the sixth embodiment, one of the two
lenticular lenses may be substituted with a parallax barrier on which
slits are formed. Further, the pinholes or the slits formed on the
parallax barrier have a limited size, and accordingly, a pixel magnifying
projection image is blurred and expanded into a large width. In this
case, the present invention can be applied to such an image by applying
the value of the pixel magnifying projection width e to the width of this
blurred image. While expanding the slit width increases cross-talk
between left and right images, high-luminance display can be realized.
Furthermore, the seventh embodiment is an example wherein a parallax
barrier is employed instead of a fly eye lens employed in the first
embodiment, in the same way, with the second through fifth embodiments, a
parallax barrier on which pinhole slits are formed may be employed
instead of a fly eye lens as well.

Patent applications by Naoyasu Ikeda, Tokyo JP

Patent applications by Nobuaki Takanashi, Tokyo JP

Patent applications by Shin-Ichi Uehara, Tokyo JP

Patent applications by NEC Corporation

Patent applications in class Having record with lenticular surface

Patent applications in all subclasses Having record with lenticular surface